As The Simpsons celebrates After 800 episodes, the creators reflect on the journey that transformed a simple 1987 short from The Tracey Ullman Show into a global cultural phenomenon. The show, which has been a constant in American television for nearly four decades, continues to evolve, often with no overarching storylines and a commitment to fresh content.
The current showrunner, Matt Selman, reflects on the challenge of having characters who refuse to age: “Do these characters have the emotional memory of the 800 things that have happened to them? … I don’t really know the answer to that,” he admits. Meanwhile, creator Matt Groening emphasizes the pursuit of perfection in the art of the show, noting how the characters have evolved both in their design and narrative.
The show’s path to success was paved with early controversy, especially with the rebellious Bart Simpson, who was deemed a threat to classrooms. The show’s sharp humor and ability to break social norms have only fueled its longevity. Groening also shared how The Simpsons predicted the future, including a memorable episode featuring “President Trump.” He jokes that the predictions were accidental, saying, “We’re not from the future.”
The show’s transition to streaming on Disney+ has introduced it to a new generation of viewers, and its ability to adapt outside of commercial constraints has allowed for creative freedom. Jean, a former showrunner, believes the show’s greatest achievement is the personal connections it has fostered with viewers over the years.
As The Simpsons moves toward its 40th season, the creators are eager to continue the show with even more untold stories waiting to unfold.
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